Spasticity

Spasticity is a widespread and debilitating condition that is associated with some common neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, stroke and cerebral palsy as well as spinal cord injury. Spasticity is a condition in which certain muscles are continuously contracted, causing stiffness or tightness of muscles that interfere with movement or speech.

Reports indicate that the prevalence of spasticity due to multiple sclerosis, stroke and cerebral palsy in 2002 was approximately 5.2 million patients in the United States and six other major pharmaceutical markets, collectively. According to the IMS National Prescription Audit Report, for the 12 months ended December 31, 2007, there were approximately 3.7 million prescriptions written for baclofen in the United States. According to data on baclofen prescriptions, multiple sclerosis, spinal disease/injury, pain conditions and spasm conditions accounted for 80% of baclofen use. Besides baclofen, treatments for spasticity include diazepam, tizanidine and dantrolene sodium. Although these medications may provide symptom relief in some people, they are often only partially effective and generally require dosing three or more times a day. In addition, these medications are often associated with unwanted side effects such as sedation and weakness, as well as issues with bladder, bowel and sexual function.

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